NCC Student Named 2026-2027 Newman Civic Fellow

Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has named Northampton Community College (NCC) student Michael Thornton-Sherwood as a 2026-2027 Newman Civic Fellow. The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities.   

The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Dr. Newman’s leadership, each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year. 
 
Thornton-Sherwood is currently working towards his political science degree at NCC. He looks forward to learning about community needs and building projects that work toward civic problem solving and service. 

Thornton-Sherwood would like to be a change leader and says, “As a Newman Civic Fellow, I aim to expand my localized outreach efforts, refine my leadership skills, and leverage political strategies to foster structural, community change.” 

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides these students with learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change. 

"This group of exceptional students from campuses across the country is such a welcomed addition to the Newman Civic Fellowship," said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. "Now, more than ever, it is an honor to recognize student leaders who are applying themselves as changemakers and creating positive impact in their communities. This is just the start of their lifelong journeys as Newman Civic Fellows, and I couldn’t be more excited to watch them continue to grow and pursue their passions." 

The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities. 

Learn more about the fellowship at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship. You can read more about each of the student leaders selected for this year’s cohort at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship/fellows.